Leonidio: Rock Climbing, Old Town and the Tsakonian Coast
On the east coast of the Peloponnese, where the mountains of Parnon drop into the Argolic Gulf, lies Leonidio – a small town between two huge red cliffs. Known for its Tsakonian heritage, its sweet aubergines and, more recently, its world-class rock climbing, Leonidio is one of the most rewarding places to visit in Arcadia.
A town between red cliffs
Leonidio sits in a narrow valley where the river Dafnon reaches the sea. The old town, with its tall stone mansions, is a protected traditional settlement, and the red limestone walls that rise above it change colour throughout the day. Leonidio is the main town of Tsakonia, the area where people still speak Tsakonian – considered the only surviving descendant of the ancient Doric Greek dialect. In Tsakonian, the town is called “Agie Lidi”.
In the centre, the old factory known as Fabrica has been restored as a cultural centre and museum, telling the story of Tsakonia and the wider region. Explore it with our City Tour in Leonidio.
Rock climbing in Leonidio
Thanks to the quality of its limestone, Leonidio is considered the best place for rock climbing in Greece, with hundreds of routes for every level, and it is becoming one of the biggest climbing areas in Europe. The mild climate means you can climb for much of the year – autumn, winter and spring are especially popular.
Try it with a local instructor on our Climbing in Leonidio session, or stay longer with Leonidio Rock Climbing – 4 Days / 3 Nights.
The Tsakonian aubergine
The plain around Leonidio produces the famous Tsakonian aubergine, known for its sweet taste and oblong shape and protected by the European Union as a PDO product. Each August, the nearby port of Plaka hosts a festival dedicated to it. Taste it – and other Tsakonian recipes – on our Leonidio City Tour and Food Experience.
Plaka, Poulithra and the coast
About 4 km from the town, the little port of Plaka has fish tavernas and a pebble beach. Further south, Poulithra is a quiet seaside village with whitewashed houses – ideal for a slow, authentic holiday. Discover it on foot with our Hiking around Poulithra.
Hiking around Leonidio
Old cobbled paths connect the mountain villages with the plain. One of the most beautiful starts in the village of Melana and follows the old path down towards Leonidio and the red rocks, with the Argolic Gulf in the background – join our Hiking Experience Melana – Leonidio. For a more mountainous walk, try the Hiking Experience in Kosmas.
Easter in Leonidio
If you visit at Easter, you will see one of the most beautiful customs in Greece: on the night of the Resurrection, hundreds of hand-made paper hot-air balloons (aerostata) are released into the sky above the town.
Where to stay
See all our partner hotels.
How to get to Leonidio
Leonidio is on the coast road south of Astros. We can take you there with a private transfer, for example Lagkadia – Astros & Leonidio, or from Athens – see all private transfers and our guide on getting from Athens Airport to the Peloponnese.
Plan your trip
Climbing, hiking, food or simply the sea – tell us what you would like and we will put it together. Contact us – we reply within 24 hours.